Senator Shirley Breeden

May 12, 2009

As many Nevadans know, we have a national treasure in our backyard called Red Rock National Conservation Area.  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas is the most-visited attraction managed by the Federal Bureau of Land Management.  Red Rock Canyon actually has more visitors each year than the majority of America's 58 National Parks! 

It is estimated that nearly one million people from all over the world visit Red Rock Canyon each year.  Visitors include hikers, rock climbers, bicycle riders, marathon runners, bird watchers, and photographers.  Regardless of their varying interests, the primary attraction of Red Rock Canyon to the general public is its incredible display of natural wonders and scenic beauty.

To learn more about Senate Bill 240, click here

State Route 159, also known as the Red Rock Loop, runs entirely within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This legislative session, I proposed legislation that designates State Route 159 a Safety Speed Zone and I am proud to announce it is on the Governor's desk waiting for his signature to become law.

Prior to this legislation, the speed limit on Route 159 was 60 mph.  I believed that this was too high and a safety risk.  Motorists drive on State Route 159 for a variety of reasons.   Many drive out from Las Vegas to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Spring Mountain State Park, or Old Nevada at Bonnie Springs.  Others may be traveling to the residential communities at Calico Basin and Blue Diamond, while others use this route as a short-cut between Pahrump and other parts of the Las Vegas Valley. 

Tourists tend to slow down or pull over to the shoulder of the road when the strikingly beautiful red rocks come into full view.  Drivers who are just traveling through the area need to be very cautious of motorists who are "rubber-necking" at the scenery, as well as numerous bicyclists in the adjacent bicycle lanes, occasional runners, tour buses, and motorcycle groups.  Frequently, wild burros wander in the area and visitors on horseback rider near the road. 

Over 110 accidents have occurred on this small stretch of road in the last three years.  Seven people lost their lives in those accidents, and 58 were injured.  Of those 58 injuries, 41 of the 58 crashes were either because of driving too fast for the conditions or because the vehicle ran off the road and overturned.  That is simply unacceptable.

Reducing the maximum speed limit on this stretch of highway will help save lives, reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents, and improve the outdoor experience for visitors and Nevadans.

To learn more about SB 240, click here